USB Type-C port conversion methods, computing devices and adapters

Abstract

The application discloses a USB Type C port switching method, a computing device and a switching head. The USB Type C port is located on a first device and is used for being connected with the switching head. The switching head comprises at least one switching-out port. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining first information, wherein the first information is a feedback signal of the switching head; determining the type of the switching head according to the first information and a mapping relationship table, wherein the mapping relationship table is used for representing the corresponding relationship between the first information and the type of the switching head; determining the mode of the USB Type C port according to the type of the switching head; outputting at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port to the switching head; and wherein the mode of each switching-out port in the at least one switching-out port is the same as the mode of the USB Type C port. The application can make the USB Type C port be connected with multiple different types of switching heads, so that one USB Type C port can switch out multiple switching-out ports of multiple types, and the purpose of occupying a smaller panel space of the first device is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method for converting Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type C ports, a computing device, and an adapter. Background Technology

[0002] Existing server panels need to support an increasing number of hard drives, standard cards, and input / output (IO) ports (such as high-density IO connectors, USB Type-C ports, VGA ports, and serial ports). Furthermore, the continuous increase in power density requires server panels to have larger ventilation areas, leading to increasingly tight panel space and making it difficult to support more IO ports within a limited panel space.

[0003] Currently, the demand for expanding multi-purpose output ports via I / O ports is becoming increasingly widespread. Therefore, how to expand multi-purpose output ports using as few I / O ports as possible to reduce panel space usage has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application proposes a USB Type C port conversion method, a computing device, and an adapter.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application proposes a USB Type-C port adapter method, wherein the USB Type-C port is located on a first device, the USB Type-C port is used to connect to an adapter, and the adapter includes at least one output port. The method includes:

[0006] Obtain first information, which is the feedback signal from the adapter;

[0007] Based on the first information and the mapping table, the type of adapter is determined. The mapping table is used to represent the correspondence between the first information and the type of adapter.

[0008] Determine the mode of the USB Type-C port based on the type of adapter;

[0009] Output at least one mode signal to the adapter that corresponds to the mode of the USB Type C port;

[0010] In particular, at least one of the output ports has the same mode as the USB Type C port.

[0011] This application determines the mode of the USB Type-C port based on the feedback signal from the adapter connected to the USB Type-C port, thereby ensuring that the mode of each output port is the same as the mode of the USB Type-C port. The method provided by this application enables the USB Type-C port to connect to various types of adapters, allowing one USB Type-C port to output multiple, multi-type ports without requiring multiple types of I / O ports on the front panel, thus minimizing the space occupied on the front panel of the first device.

[0012] In one possible implementation, determining the mode of the USB Type-C port based on the type of adapter includes:

[0013] Based on the type of adapter, a first indicator is determined to determine the mode of the USB Type C port. The first indicator includes the bus protocol of the USB Type C port and / or a first voltage, which is a voltage adapted to the adapter.

[0014] In one possible implementation, outputting at least one mode signal to the adapter corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port includes:

[0015] Switch the preset port according to the USB Type-C port mode;

[0016] The adapter outputs at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port via a preset port.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the adapter further includes an adapter input terminal, a resistor divider circuit, and a cable.

[0018] The adapter input terminal includes a first group of pins and a second group of pins. A first portion of the first group of pins and a first portion of the second group of pins of the adapter input terminal are respectively connected to a first portion of the third group of pins and a first portion of the fourth group of pins of the USB Type C port. A second portion of the first group of pins and / or a second portion of the second group of pins of the adapter input terminal receives at least one mode signal transmitted from a second portion of the third group of pins and / or a second portion of the fourth group of pins of the USB Type C port, thus fully utilizing the symmetrical characteristics of the third and fourth groups of pins of the USB Type C port.

[0019] The resistor divider circuit is connected to either the first portion of the first group of pins or the first portion of the second group of pins in the adapter input terminals. The resistor divider circuit is used to divide a uniform voltage to obtain the remaining voltage, i.e., the feedback signal.

[0020] The cable connects the adapter input terminal and at least one output port.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the at least one output port includes two USB 3.0 output ports, four USB 2.0 output ports, one VGA output port, and / or one serial port output port, realizing the function of one USB Type C port being able to output multiple, multi-type output ports while occupying less panel space.

[0022] Secondly, this application proposes a computing device. The computing device includes: a USB Type-C port, a management board, and a logic circuit unit.

[0023] The USB Type-C port is connected to an adapter; the adapter includes at least one output port, and the USB Type-C port is located on the first device;

[0024] The management circuit board includes a preset port; the management circuit board is configured to output at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port through the preset port;

[0025] The logic circuit unit is integrated on the management board and connected to the USB Type-C port, or it is independent of the management board and connected to both the management board and the USB Type-C port. The logic circuit unit is used to acquire first information, and based on the first information and a mapping table, to determine the type of the adapter and, based on the adapter type and the mapping table, to determine the mode of the USB Type-C port. The first information is a feedback signal from the adapter, and the mapping table represents the correspondence between the first information and the adapter type.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the logic circuit unit is specifically configured to determine a first indicator based on the type of adapter to determine the mode of the USB Type-C port. The first indicator includes the bus protocol of the USB Type-C port and / or a first voltage. The first voltage is a voltage adapted to the adapter.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the adapter further includes an adapter input terminal, a resistor divider circuit, and a cable.

[0028] The adapter input terminal includes a first group of pins and a second group of pins. The second part of the first group of pins and / or the second part of the second group of pins of the adapter input terminal receives at least one mode signal transmitted from the second part of the third group of pins and / or the second part of the fourth group of pins of the USB Type C port, making full use of the symmetrical characteristics of the third group of pins and the fourth group of pins of the USB Type C port.

[0029] The resistor voltage divider circuit is connected to the first portion of the first group of pins or the first portion of the second group of pins in the adapter input terminals. The resistor voltage divider circuit is used to divide the uniform voltage output by the logic circuit unit to obtain the remaining voltage, i.e., the feedback signal.

[0030] The cable connects the adapter input terminal and at least one output port.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the at least one output port includes two USB 3.0 output ports, four USB 2.0 output ports, one VGA output port, and / or one serial port output port.

[0032] It should be noted that the beneficial effects of the computing devices in the second aspect and its various possible implementations can be found in the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0033] Thirdly, this application proposes an adapter, comprising: an adapter input terminal, a resistor divider circuit, at least one output port, and a cable.

[0034] The adapter input terminal includes a first group of pins and a second group of pins. The second portion of the first group of pins and / or the second portion of the second group of pins of the adapter input terminal receives at least one mode signal transmitted from the second portion of the first group of pins and / or the second portion of the second group of pins of the USB Type C port, making full use of the symmetrical characteristics of the first group of pins and the second group of pins of the USB Type C port.

[0035] The resistor divider circuit connects to either the first pin of the first group of pins or the first pin of the second group of pins in the adapter input terminal block. The resistor divider circuit is used to divide a uniform voltage to obtain the remaining voltage, i.e., the feedback signal.

[0036] At least one outgoing port;

[0037] The cable connects the adapter input terminal and at least one output port.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the at least one output port includes two USB 3.0 output ports, four USB 2.0 output ports, one VGA output port, and / or one serial port output port.

[0039] It should be noted that the beneficial effects of the adapters in the third aspect and its various possible implementations can be found in the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] Fourthly, this application proposes a USB Type-C port adapter. The adapter includes:

[0041] The transceiver unit is used to acquire first information, which is the feedback signal of the adapter;

[0042] The processing unit is used to determine the type of adapter based on the first information and the mapping table, wherein the mapping table is used to characterize the correspondence between the first information and the type of adapter.

[0043] The processing unit is also used to determine the mode of the USB Type C port based on the type of adapter;

[0044] The transceiver unit is also used to output at least one mode signal to the adapter that corresponds to the mode of the USB Type C port;

[0045] In particular, at least one of the output ports has the same mode as the USB Type C port.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically configured to determine a first indicator based on the type of adapter to determine the mode of the USB Type-C port. The first indicator includes the bus protocol of the USB Type-C port and / or a first voltage. The first voltage is a voltage adapted to the adapter.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to switch a preset port according to the mode of the USB Type-C port. At least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type-C port is output to the adapter through the preset port.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the at least one output port includes two USB 3.0 output ports, four USB 2.0 output ports, one VGA output port, and / or one serial port output port.

[0049] It should be noted that the beneficial effects of the USB Type C port adapter in the fourth aspect and its various possible implementations can be found in the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0050] Fifthly, this application proposes an electronic device including at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in a memory, which, when executed, cause the electronic device to perform:

[0051] Such as the methods in the first aspect and its various possible implementations.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the electronic device also includes the aforementioned memory. Optionally, the processor and memory can be integrated together.

[0053] In another possible implementation, the aforementioned memory is located outside the device.

[0054] In a sixth aspect, this application proposes a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the methods described in the first aspect and its various possible implementations to be executed by the computer.

[0055] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, which, when executed by a processor, performs methods as described in the first aspect and its various possible implementations. Attached Figure Description

[0056] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a possible server panel design.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an existing one-to-many adapter;

[0059] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the server panel design in another possible implementation;

[0060] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an existing Type C to Type C adapter or Type C to Type A adapter;

[0061] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a computing device 500 in one possible implementation;

[0062] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a computing device 600 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0063] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the adapter designed for an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Figure 8c and Figure 8d The diagrams show the adapters designed according to the embodiments of this application, namely, an adapter for converting one Type C port to two USB 3.0 output ports, one Type C port to four USB 2.0 output ports, one Type C port to one VGA output port, and one Type C port to one serial port output port;

[0065] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a USB Type-C port conversion method provided in this application embodiment;

[0066] Figure 10 This application provides another schematic flowchart of a USB Type-C port conversion method.

[0067] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a USB Type-C port adapter 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0069] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the specific implementation methods of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] It should be noted that the term "and / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. The terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order of objects. For example, "first group," "second group," "third group," and "fourth group," etc., are used to distinguish different groups, not to describe a specific order of target objects. In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary," "for example," or "e.g.," are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary," "for example," or "e.g.," in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as superior to other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "e.g.," is intended to present related concepts in a specific manner. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0071] To facilitate understanding of this solution, the terminology that may be involved in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced first:

[0072] (1) USB 3.0: A new specification for USB devices that defines the requirements for structure, size, power supply, heat dissipation, connectors, interface signals, etc., and supports hot-plugging.

[0073] (2) USB Type C: A standard connector for USB interfaces, with a specific shape, size, and number of pins. The structure and electrical signal pins are symmetrically designed, supporting both right-side-fitting and reverse-fitting.

[0074] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. In case of any inconsistency, the meaning as set forth in the specification or derived from the content described herein shall prevail. Furthermore, the terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit the application.

[0075] Next, we will introduce how various output ports can be extended through I / O ports in various possible implementations.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the server panel design diagram is as follows: Figure 1As shown. The server panel features ventilation holes 101a, 101b, and 101c; PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) card slots 102a and 102b; a high-density I / O connector 103; two high-speed optical ports 104; panel buttons and indicator lights 105; and three high-speed optical ports 106. It utilizes the compact high-density I / O connector 103, paired with... Figure 2 The multi-port adapter shown can expand to include one VGA output port, one USB 2.0 output port, and one serial port. Although the high-density I / O connector integrates a VGA port, a USB Type-C port, and a serial port, using this method to expand multi-purpose ports still results in a relatively large panel space occupied by the high-density I / O connector. The number of ports that can be expanded using the multi-port adapter is still limited, and it cannot support higher-speed buses (e.g., USB 3.0 bus). Furthermore, using any specific output port requires installing the multi-port adapter, leading to many unused output ports and impacting maintenance.

[0077] In another possible implementation, the server panel design diagram is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. The server panel features ventilation holes 101a, 101b, and 101c; PCIe card slots 102a and 102b; a USB Type-C port 301; two high-speed optical ports 104; panel buttons and indicator lights 105; and three high-speed optical ports 106. It utilizes a high-speed, high-density, and compact USB Type-C port 301, paired with a specific type of adapter (such as...). Figure 4 The existing Type-C to Type-C adapters or Type-C to Type-A adapters shown can be converted to other functional ports. Since the USB Type-C port 301 is only used for transmitting USB bus (e.g., USB 3.0 bus, USB 2.0 bus), converting it to other ports (e.g., VGA output port, serial port output port) requires adding a conversion chip inside the adapter and loading driver support in the operating system (OS), making the adapter costly and complex to implement.

[0078] In one possible implementation, Figure 5A schematic diagram 500 of a computing device is shown. In this device, the management board has only one USB 3.0 port, and only one pin of the USB Type-C port 301 can receive one USB 3.0 signal. Specifically, when the output compare (OC) protection / USB bus power switch is turned up to point M, the USB 3.0 signal output from the USB 3.0 port defaults to being output from the A-side pin (also known as the third group of pins) of the USB Type-C port 301. That is, although the USB Type-C port 301 has an A-side pin and a B-side pin (also known as the fourth group of pins), only the A-side pin outputs one USB 3.0 signal. This scheme does not utilize the symmetrical characteristics of the A-side and B-side pins of the USB Type-C port 301. It should be noted that when the OC protection / USB bus power switch is turned down to point N, the USB 3.0 port of the management board no longer outputs a USB 3.0 signal.

[0079] Understandably, if the adapter input terminal C503 is plugged into the USB Type C port 301 in reverse (i.e., the A-side pin of the adapter input terminal C503 does not receive the USB 3.0 signal from the A-side pin of the USB Type C port 301, but the B-side pin of the adapter input terminal C503 does receive the USB 3.0 signal from the A-side pin of the USB Type C port 301), then if the output port Type A501 is connected to the A-side pin of the adapter input terminal C503, and the A-side pin and the B-side pin of the adapter input terminal C503 are not shorted, then the output port Type A501 cannot receive the USB 3.0 signal. Therefore, the A-side pin and the B-side pin of the adapter input terminal C503 need to be shorted to ensure that Type A port 501 can always receive one USB 3.0 signal, regardless of whether the adapter input terminal C503 is plugged into the USB Type C port 301 correctly or incorrectly.

[0080] It is also understandable that if the terminal connected to the USB Type C port 301 is the adapter input terminal D504, then when the adapter input terminal D504 is correctly inserted into the USB Type C port 301, the A-side pin of the adapter input terminal D504 receives the USB 3.0 signal from the A-side pin of the USB Type C port 301. When the adapter input terminal D504 is inserted backwards into the USB Type C port 301, the B-side pin of the adapter input terminal D504 can also receive the USB 3.0 signal from the A-side pin of the USB Type C port 301. In this case, only one side pin of the adapter input terminal D504 receives the USB 3.0 signal. Correspondingly, only one side pin of the output port 502 can receive the USB 3.0 signal. Regardless of whether the D504 input terminal is plugged in correctly or incorrectly into the USB Type C port 301, the number of output ports that can be expanded is limited, the types are few, the application range is narrow, and the adapter design only achieves 50% connection efficiency, with half of the signal lines in the adapter being idle during operation.

[0081] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application proposes a USB Type-C port adapter method. This method is implemented based on a computing device proposed in this application. A schematic diagram of the computing device is shown below. Figure 6 As shown, it includes: a USB Type C port 601 (with the same structure as the USB Type C port 301), a management board 602, and a logic circuit unit 603; wherein, the logic circuit unit 603 includes a cable detection / identification unit 603a, a bus protocol / voltage switching line 603b, and a signal selection and connection unit 603c.

[0082] The USB Type-C port 601 connects to an adapter, which can be an existing adapter (e.g., Figure 4 The Type C to Type C adapter and Type C to Type A adapter shown can also be the adapter designed in the embodiments of this application. A schematic diagram of the adapter designed in the embodiments of this application is shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the functions of each part are described below and will not be repeated here. For ease of description, the adapter designed in this embodiment will be referred to as adapter A, and the existing adapter will be referred to as adapter B.

[0083] The management board 602 includes preset ports, such as Figure 6The diagram shows two USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, one VGA port, and / or one serial port, but is not limited to these ports. It is understood that since these ports are integrated on the management circuit board 602, there is no need to design these ports on the panel of the first device, thereby reducing panel space usage. The management circuit board 602 is used to output at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port 601 through preset ports. For example, if the logic circuit 603 determines that the adapter A is of type one Type C port to two USB 3.0 output ports, then the management circuit board 602 outputs two USB 3.0 signals to the USB Type C port 601 through the two USB 3.0 ports.

[0084] The logic circuit unit 603 is independent of the management circuit board 602 and is connected to both the management circuit board 602 and the USB Type C port 601. The logic circuit unit 603 is used to acquire first information, and based on the first information and a mapping table, determine the type of the adapter, and based on the adapter type and the mapping table, determine the mode of the USB Type C port 601. The first information is the adapter's feedback signal. The mapping table is used to characterize the correspondence between the first information and the adapter type. It should be noted that the logic circuit unit 603 can also be integrated onto the management circuit board 602 and connected to the USB Type C port 601.

[0085] For example, logic circuit unit 603 outputs a uniform voltage to USB Type C port 601. Since adapter A is connected to USB Type C port 601, under the control of logic circuit unit 603, the uniform voltage can be output to adapter A, and after passing through the resistor voltage divider circuit in adapter A, the remaining voltage, i.e., the feedback signal, is obtained. Cable detection / identification module 603a determines the type of adapter A based on the remaining voltage and the mapping table. Bus protocol / voltage switching line 603b determines the bus protocol and / or first voltage of USB Type C port 601 based on the type of adapter A, thereby determining the mode of USB Type C port 601. The bus protocol and / or first voltage of USB Type C port 601 are referred to as the first indicator. The first voltage is the voltage adapted to adapter A.

[0086] It should be noted that if adapter B is connected to the USB Type-C port 601, since adapter B does not have a resistor voltage divider circuit, it will not divide the uniform voltage, and the logic circuit unit 602603 will obtain a remaining voltage of 0. In this case, the logic circuit unit 602603 recognizes adapter B as an existing adapter. Similarly, the logic circuit unit 602603 needs to determine the bus protocol and / or the first voltage of the USB Type-C port 601. This first voltage is the voltage adapted to adapter B.

[0087] The following is about the aforementioned Figure 7 Please see the description. Figure 7 The schematic diagram of the adapter designed in this application embodiment includes an adapter input terminal 701 (also called an adapter input terminal E), a resistor voltage divider circuit 702, at least one output port 703, and a cable 704.

[0088] The adapter input terminal E701 includes a first group of pins (i.e., the A-side pins of the adapter input terminal E701) and a second group of pins (i.e., the B-side pins of the adapter input terminal E701). Under the control of the logic circuit unit 603, the second part of the first group of pins and / or the second part of the second group of pins receives at least one mode signal from the second part of the third group of pins and / or the second part of the fourth group of pins of the USB Type C port 601, and outputs at least one mode signal to at least one output port 703.

[0089] The resistor divider circuit 702 is used to divide the uniform voltage output by the USB Type C port 601 under the control of the logic circuit unit 603 to obtain the remaining voltage. The USB Type C port 601 is located on the first device.

[0090] At least one output port 703 is used to receive at least one mode signal from the adapter input terminal E701 under the control of the logic circuit unit 603. The at least one output port 703 can be two USB 3.0 output ports, four USB 2.0 output ports, one VGA output port, or one serial port output port. For example, schematic diagrams of an adapter with one Type C port to two USB 3.0 output ports, one Type C port to four USB 2.0 output ports, one Type C port to one VGA output port, and one Type C port to one serial port output port designed in this application embodiment are respectively shown in the following figures. Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Figure 8c and Figure 8d As shown.

[0091] Cable 704 is used to connect the adapter input terminal E701 and at least one output port 703, and transmits at least one mode signal under the control of logic circuit unit 603.

[0092] Based on and such Figure 6 The embodiments of the computing devices shown share the same concept. This application provides a USB Type-C port adapter method, which is based on... Figure 6 The computing device shown is used for implementation. A flowchart of the method is shown below. Figure 9 As shown, S901-S910 are included, and their specific implementation process is as follows:

[0093] S901, adapter connects to USB Type C port 601.

[0094] In this embodiment, the adapter is connected to USB Type-C port 601. The structure of USB Type-C port 601 is the same as that of USB Type-C port 301. USB Type-C port 601 is located on the first device. The first device can be a server, but is not limited to a server.

[0095] It is understandable that the USB Type-C port 601 has 12 pins on both the A-side and B-side. The A-side pins are A1, A2, ... A 11 A 12 Pins on side B are B1, B2, ... B 11 B 12 Adapters, such as... Figure 4 Adapter B as shown, or as Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Figure 8c and Figure 8d The adapter A shown has 12 pins on both its A-side and B-side. The pins on the A-side are A'1, A'2, ... A'. 11 A' 12 Pins on side B are B'1, B'2, ..., B' 11 B' 12 .

[0096] In one example, the adapter is connected to USB Type-C port 601, meaning that pins A'1, A'2, ... A' on the A side of the adapter... 11 A' 12 And B'1, B'2, ... B' in the B-side pin 11 B' 12 Connect to pins A1, A2, ... A on the A side of the USB Type-C port 601 respectively.11 A 12 And B1, B2, ... B in the B-side pin 11 B 12 Connected.

[0097] S902, logic circuit unit 603 outputs a uniform voltage to USB Type C port 601.

[0098] In this embodiment, the logic circuit unit 603 outputs a uniform voltage to the USB Type C port 601.

[0099] In one example, logic circuit unit 603 outputs a uniform voltage to pins A1 and A2 on the A side of USB Type C port 601.

[0100] Under the control of logic circuit unit 603, USB Type C port 601 outputs a uniform voltage to the adapter.

[0101] In this embodiment of the application, under the control of the logic circuit unit 603, the USB Type C port 601 outputs a uniform voltage to the adapter to obtain a feedback signal, namely the first information.

[0102] In one example, under the control of logic circuit unit 603, USB Type C port 601 outputs a uniform voltage to the adapter. Specifically, under the control of logic circuit unit 603, since pins A'1 and A'2 on the A side of the adapter are connected to pins A1 and A2 on the A side of USB Type C port 601 respectively, pins A'1 and A'2 on the A side of the adapter can receive the uniform voltage from USB Type C port 601. It is understood that if the adapter is adapter A, for example, adapter A... Figure 8aAs shown, the adapter input terminal F801 in the adapter is an example of the adapter input terminal E701, and the resistor voltage divider circuit L802 is an example of the resistor voltage divider circuit 702. Since adapter A includes the resistor voltage divider circuit L802, the first and second pins on the A-side of adapter A, i.e., A'1 and A'2, receive a uniform voltage from the USB Type C port 601. This uniform voltage passes through the resistor voltage divider circuit L802 to obtain a residual voltage (i.e., a feedback signal), which is then fed back to A2 and A3 on the A-side of the USB Type C port 601 via the second and third pins on the A-side of adapter A, i.e., A'2 and A'3. It can also be understood that if the adapter is adapter B, since adapter B does not have the resistor voltage divider circuit 702, the residual voltage obtained by the USB Type C port 601 is 0.

[0103] S904, logic circuit unit 603 obtains the first information.

[0104] In this embodiment, under the control of the logic circuit unit 603, the USB Type-C port 601 acquires first information. Then, the logic circuit unit 603 acquires the first information from the USB Type-C port 601.

[0105] In one example, if the adapter is adapter A, then since pins A2 and A3 on the A side of the USB Type C port 601 are connected to the second and third pins on the A side of adapter A (i.e., pins A'2 and A'3), under the control of the logic circuit unit 603, pins A2 and A3 on the A side of the USB Type C port 601 can obtain the residual voltage fed back from pins A'2 and A'3 on the A side of adapter A. Then, the logic circuit unit 603 obtains the residual voltage from the USB Type C port 601. If the adapter is adapter B, then the residual voltage obtained by the USB Type C port 601 is 0.

[0106] S905, logic circuit unit 603 determines the type of adapter based on the first information and the mapping table.

[0107] In this embodiment of the application, the cable detection / identification unit 603a in the logic circuit unit 603 determines the type of adapter based on the first information and the mapping table. The mapping table is used to characterize the correspondence between the first information and the type of adapter.

[0108] In one example, the cable detection / identification unit 603a determines the type of adapter based on the remaining voltage and a mapping table. For instance, when the remaining voltage is 5V, 8V, 10V, 12V, or 0V, according to the mapping table (Table 1), the adapter type can be determined as one Type C port to two USB 3.0 output ports, one Type C port to four USB 2.0 output ports, one Type C port to one VGA output port, one Type C port to one serial port output port, or an existing adapter.

[0109] Table 1

[0110] Residual voltage Types of adapters 5V One Type-C port to two USB 3.0 output ports 8V One Type-C port to four USB 2.0 output ports 10V One Type-C port to one VGA output port 12V A Type-C port to a serial port output port 0V Existing adapters

[0111] S906, logic circuit unit 603 determines the mode of USB Type C port 601 based on the type of adapter.

[0112] In this embodiment, the bus protocol / voltage switching line 603b in the logic circuit unit 603 determines the mode of the USB Type C port 601 according to the type of adapter. Specifically, the bus protocol / voltage switching line 603b determines the bus protocol and / or first voltage of the USB Type C port 601 according to the type of adapter to determine the mode of the USB Type C port 601. The aforementioned bus protocol and / or first voltage of the USB Type C port 601 are also referred to as the first indicator. The first voltage is the voltage adapted to the adapter to avoid electrical risks caused by voltage mismatch.

[0113] In one example, the type of adapter is Figure 8a The diagram shows a USB Type-C port to two USB 3.0 output ports. The bus protocol / voltage switching line 603b switches the bus protocol to the USB 3.0 bus protocol and switches the first voltage to the voltage adapted to the adapter for the one USB Type-C port to two USB 3.0 output ports.

[0114] S907, logic circuit unit 603 closes the corresponding switch according to the mode of USB Type C port 601.

[0115] In this embodiment, the logic circuit unit 603 closes the corresponding switch according to the mode of the USB Type C port 601.

[0116] In one example, if the adapter type is Figure 8aWhen a USB Type-C port is converted to two USB 3.0 output ports, the signal selection unit 603c closes the two switches connected to the two USB 3.0 ports of the management circuit module 602.

[0117] S908, the management board 602 outputs at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port 601 to the USB Type C port 601.

[0118] In this embodiment, the management circuit board 602 outputs at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port 601 to the USB Type C port 601. Specifically, the management circuit board 602 outputs at least one mode signal to the second portion of the A-side pin and / or the second portion of the B-side pin of the USB Type C port 601.

[0119] For example, if the type of adapter is as follows Figure 8a As shown, there is one Type-C to two USB 3.0 output ports. The management circuit board 603 connects to the fifth to twelfth pins of the A-side pins of the USB Type-C port 601, i.e., A5, A6, ... A6. 11 A 12 And the fifth to twelfth pins on the B side, namely B5, B6, ... B 11 B 12 It outputs one USB 3.0 signal each, making full use of the symmetrical characteristics of the A-side pin and B-side pin of the USB Type C port.

[0120] S909, under the control of logic circuit unit 603, USB Type C port 601 transmits at least one mode signal to the adapter.

[0121] In this embodiment, under the control of the logic circuit unit 603, the USB Type C port 601 transmits at least one mode signal to the adapter. Specifically, since the A-side pin and B-side pin of the adapter are connected to the A-side pin and B-side pin of the USB Type C port 601 respectively, under the control of the logic circuit unit 603, the USB Type C port 601 can output at least one mode signal to the adapter.

[0122] In one example, the adapter is as follows: Figure 8a The diagram shows one Type-C to two USB 3.0 output ports. Because, as... Figure 8a The adapter shown has pins A'5, A'6, ... A' on the A side of the F801 adapter input terminal.11 A' 12 And B'5, B'6, ... B' in the B-side pin 11 B' 12 Connect to pins A5, A6, ... A on the A side of the USB Type-C port 601 respectively. 11 A 12 And B5, B6, ... B in the B-side pin 11 B 12 Therefore, under the control of the logic circuit unit 603, the USB Type C port 601 can transmit one USB 3.0 signal to pins A'5, A'6, ... A' on the A side of the adapter input terminal F801. 11 A' 12 The other USB 3.0 signal is transmitted to pins B'5, B'6, ... B' on the B side of the adapter input terminal F801. 11 B' 12 .

[0123] S910, under the control of logic circuit unit 603, at least one mode signal is transmitted to at least one output port 703 via cable 704.

[0124] In this embodiment, under the control of logic circuit unit 603, at least one mode signal is transmitted to at least one output port 703 via cable 704. The mode of each output port in the at least one output port 703 is the same as the mode of USB Type C port 601.

[0125] In one example, the adapter is as follows: Figure 8a The diagram shows one Type-C to two USB 3.0 output ports. Under the control of logic circuit unit 603, the fifth to twelfth pins of the A-side pins of the input terminal F801 are connected, namely A'5, A'6, ... A'. 11 A' 12 And the fifth to twelfth pins on side B, namely B'5, B'6, ... B' 11 B' 12The received USB 3.0 signal is transmitted to two USB 3.0 output ports 803 via cable 704. In this embodiment, one USB Type-C port 601 can be expanded into two USB 3.0 output ports 803 without a hub, and the reversible plug feature originally supported by the USB Type-C port 601 is not affected. This method is low-cost, easy to use, and convenient. In other words, the method provided in this embodiment enables the USB Type-C port to be connected to various types of adapters, thereby allowing one USB Type-C port to be converted into multiple output ports of various types. This eliminates the need to set up multiple types of I / O ports on the panel, achieving the goal of occupying less panel space on the first device.

[0126] It should be noted that when the adapter connected to the USB Type-C port 601 is as follows: Figure 8b , Figure 8c , Figure 8d The adapter designed in the embodiments of this application shown, or as... Figure 4 When using the existing adapter shown, the operation process of the aforementioned method is similar to that of S901-S910, and will not be repeated here. The aforementioned method allows for flexible selection of the adapter; for example, a one-to-one adapter can be selected, i.e., as shown... Figure 8c The adapter shown is a Type-C port to a VGA output port, or as shown in the image. Figure 8d The example shows a Type-C port to a serial port output port; or you can choose a one-to-many adapter, as shown below. Figure 8a The adapter shown is a Type-C port to two USB 3.0 output ports, or as shown in the image. Figure 8b The adapter shown is a one-Type-C port to four USB 2.0 output ports; the aforementioned method is applicable to... Figure 4 The existing adapters shown are compatible, the ports are easy to use, and they have a wide range of applications.

[0127] Based on the same concept as the above-described method embodiments, this application provides a USB Type-C port adapter method, which is based on the following... Figure 6 The computing device shown is implemented. A USB Type-C port is located on the first device and is used to connect to an adapter, which includes at least one output port. A flowchart of the method is shown below. Figure 10 As shown, including S1001-S1004, the specific workflow is as follows:

[0128] S1001, logic circuit unit 603 obtains the first information.

[0129] In the embodiments of this application, the specific implementation process of this step is described in S904, and will not be repeated here.

[0130] S1002, the logic circuit unit 603 determines the type of adapter based on the first information and the mapping table.

[0131] In the embodiments of this application, the specific implementation process of this step is described in S905, and will not be repeated here.

[0132] S1003, logic circuit unit 603 determines the mode of USB Type C port 601 according to the type of adapter.

[0133] In the embodiments of this application, the specific implementation process of this step is described in S906, and will not be repeated here.

[0134] S1004, under the control of the logic circuit unit 603, the USB Type C port 601 outputs at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port 601 to the adapter.

[0135] In the embodiments of this application, the specific implementation process of this step is described in S907, S908 and S909, and will not be repeated here.

[0136] Based on the same concept as the above-described method embodiments, this application provides a USB Type C port adapter 1100. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a USB Type-C port adapter 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The adapter is used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0137] In one possible implementation, the device 1100 may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions executed by the processor in the above method embodiments. These units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In another possible implementation, the device includes a transceiver unit 1102 and a processing unit 1104.

[0138] The transceiver unit 1102 is used to acquire first information, which is the feedback signal of the adapter;

[0139] The processing unit 1104 is used to determine the type of adapter based on the first information and the mapping relationship table, wherein the mapping relationship table is used to characterize the correspondence between the first information and the type of adapter;

[0140] The processing unit 1104 is also used to determine the mode of the USB Type C port based on the type of adapter;

[0141] The transceiver unit 1102 is also used to output at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port to the adapter;

[0142] In particular, at least one of the output ports has the same mode as the USB Type C port.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1104 is specifically configured to determine a first indicator based on the type of adapter to determine the mode of the USB Type-C port. The first indicator includes the bus protocol of the USB Type-C port and / or a first voltage. The first voltage is a voltage adapted to the adapter.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1102 is specifically configured to switch a preset port according to the mode of the USB Type-C port. At least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type-C port is output to the adapter through the preset port.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the at least one output port includes two USB 3.0 output ports, four USB 2.0 output ports, one VGA output port, and / or one serial port output port.

[0146] See Figure 12 This application also provides an electronic device 1200 for implementing the various steps in the above-described method. The electronic device 1200 can be a chip system. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. The electronic device 1200 includes at least one processor 1210 for implementing the various steps in the method provided in this application embodiment. The electronic device 1200 may also include a communication interface 1220. In this application embodiment, the communication interface 1220 can be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface for communicating with other devices via a transmission medium.

[0147] The processor 1210 can perform the functions performed by the processing unit 1104 in the device 1100; the communication interface 1220 can be used to perform the functions performed by the transceiver unit 1102 in the device 1100.

[0148] When the electronic device 1200 performs the steps in the above method, the communication interface 1220 is used to acquire first information, which is the feedback signal of the adapter; the processor 1210 is used to determine the type of the adapter according to the first information and a mapping table, wherein the mapping table is used to characterize the correspondence between the first information and the type of the adapter; the processor 1210 is also used to determine the mode of the USB Type C port according to the type of the adapter; the communication interface 1220 is also used to output at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port to the adapter; wherein the mode of each of the at least one output port is the same as the mode of the USB Type C port.

[0149] The communication interface 1220 is also used to perform other receiving or sending steps or operations involved in the above method embodiments. The processor 1210 can also be used to perform other corresponding steps or operations in the above method embodiments besides receiving and sending, which will not be described in detail here.

[0150] Electronic device 1200 may further include at least one memory 1230 for storing program instructions and / or data. Memory 1230 is coupled to processor 1210. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. Processor 1220 may operate in conjunction with memory 1230. Processor 1210 may execute program instructions stored in memory 1230. In one possible implementation, at least one of the at least one memory may be integrated with the processor. In another possible implementation, memory 1230 is located outside of electronic device 1200.

[0151] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 1220, the processor 1210, and the memory 1230. This application embodiment... Figure 12 The memory 1230, processor 1210, and communication interface 1220 are connected via a bus 1240. Figure 12 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 12 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0152] For example, processor 1210 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). When processor 1210 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU. Processor 1210 may be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0153] For example, the memory 1230 may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), read-only memory (ROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code having an instruction or data structure form and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing a storage function for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0154] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, such as... Figure 9 and / or Figure 10 The steps shown are performed.

[0155] Based on the same concept as the above-described method embodiments, this application also provides a computer program product including instructions, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the following... Figure 9 and / or Figure 10 The steps shown.

[0156] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A USB Type-C port adapter method, wherein a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C port is located on a server, the USB Type-C port is used to connect to an adapter, the adapter includes an adapter input terminal and at least one output port, the adapter input terminal includes a first set of pins and a second set of pins, characterized in that, include: The system acquires first information, which is a feedback signal from the adapter. This feedback signal is the remaining voltage obtained after the adapter's internal resistor divider circuit divides the uniform voltage output from the USB Type-C port. This uniform voltage is output by the server's logic circuit unit. The first group of pins includes a first portion of pins and a second portion of pins, and the second group of pins also includes a first portion of pins and a second portion of pins. The resistor divider circuit is connected to either the first portion of pins in the first group of pins or the first portion of pins in the second group of pins. Based on the first information and the mapping table, the type of the adapter is determined. The mapping table is used to characterize the correspondence between the first information and the type of the adapter. When the first information is a preset value, the type of the adapter is determined to be an existing adapter type based on the mapping table. The mode of the USB Type-C port is determined based on the existing adapter type, and at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode is output to the adapter; Determine the mode of the USB Type-C port based on the type of the adapter; Output at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port to the adapter; Wherein, the mode of each of the at least one output port is the same as the mode of the USB Type C port, and the second part of the first group of pins and / or the second part of the second group of pins of the adapter input terminal receives at least one mode signal transmitted from the second part of the third group of pins and / or the second part of the fourth group of pins of the USB Type C port; the mode signal includes USB 3.0 signal, USB 2.0 signal, VGA signal and serial port signal; the third group of pins of the USB Type C port is the A-side pin of the port and the fourth group of pins is the B-side pin of the port, the first group of pins of the adapter input terminal is the A-side pin of the adapter and the second group of pins is the B-side pin of the adapter; through the symmetrical characteristics of the A-side pin and the B-side pin, stable reception of the mode signal is achieved when the adapter is plugged in either direction.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the mode of the USB Type-C port based on the type of the adapter includes: Based on the type of the adapter, a first indicator is determined to determine the mode of the USB Type C port. The first indicator includes the bus protocol of the USB Type C port and / or a first voltage, the first voltage being a voltage adapted to the adapter.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of outputting at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port to the adapter includes: Switch the preset port according to the mode of the USB Type C port; At least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port is output to the adapter through the preset port.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The at least one output port includes two USB 3.0 output ports, four USB 2.0 output ports, one VGA output port, and / or one serial port output port.

5. A computing device, characterized in that, include: A USB Type-C port is connected to an adapter. The adapter includes an input terminal and at least one output port. The input terminal includes a first group of pins and a second group of pins, the second group of pins including a first portion of pins and a second portion of pins. A resistor divider circuit within the adapter is connected to either the first portion of the first group of pins or the first portion of the second group of pins. The USB Type-C port is located on a server. The second portion of the first group of pins and / or the second portion of the second group of pins of the input terminal receives at least one mode signal transmitted from the second portion of the third group of pins and / or the second portion of the fourth group of pins of the USB Type-C port. The third group of pins of the USB Type-C port is the A-side pin of the port, and the fourth group of pins is the B-side pin of the port. The first group of pins of the input terminal is the A-side pin of the adapter, and the second group of pins is the B-side pin of the adapter. The A-side pin and the B-side pin are connected via... The symmetrical characteristics enable stable reception of the mode signal when the adapter is inserted in either direction; A management circuit board includes a preset port; the management circuit board is configured to output at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode of the USB Type C port through the preset port; A logic circuit unit is integrated on the management circuit board and connected to the USB Type-C port, or it is independent of the management circuit board and connected to both the management circuit board and the USB Type-C port. The logic circuit unit is configured to acquire first information, and based on the first information and a mapping table, determine the type of the adapter and the mode of the USB Type-C port based on the adapter type and the mapping table. The first information is a feedback signal from the adapter, and the mapping table represents the correspondence between the first information and the adapter type. When the first information is a preset value, the adapter type is determined to be an existing adapter type based on the mapping table. The logic circuit unit is also configured to generate a port mode configuration instruction based on the determined adapter type to control the USB Type-C port to enter the corresponding mode, and output at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode to the adapter through a preset port on the management circuit board. The logic circuit unit includes a cable detection / identification unit, a bus protocol / voltage switching line, and a signal selection and connection unit. The cable detection / identification unit is used to determine the type of the adapter based on the feedback signal. The bus protocol / voltage switching line is used to determine the mode of the USB Type C port based on the type of the adapter. The signal selection and connection unit is used to switch the preset port according to the mode of the USB Type C port and output the mode signal. The mode signal includes USB 3.0 signal, USB 2.0 signal, VGA signal, and serial port signal. The logic circuit unit is also used to output a uniform voltage to the USB Type C port. The uniform voltage is divided by the resistor divider circuit of the adapter to generate the feedback signal.

6. The computing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The logic circuit unit is specifically used to determine a first indicator based on the type of the adapter, so as to determine the mode of the USB Type C port. The first indicator includes the bus protocol of the USB Type C port and / or a first voltage, wherein the first voltage is a voltage adapted to the adapter.

7. The computing device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The preset ports include two USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, one VGA port, and / or one serial port.

8. The computing device according to any one of claims 5-6, characterized in that, The at least one output port includes two USB 3.0 output ports, four USB 2.0 output ports, one VGA output port, and / or one serial port output port.

9. An adapter, characterized in that, include: The adapter input terminals include a first group of pins and a second group of pins; The second part of the first group of pins and / or the second part of the second group of pins of the adapter input terminal receives at least one mode signal transmitted from the second part of the third group of pins and / or the second part of the fourth group of pins of the USB Type C port; the third group of pins of the USB Type C port is the A-side pin of the port, the fourth group of pins is the B-side pin of the port, the first group of pins of the adapter input terminal is the A-side pin of the adapter, and the second group of pins is the B-side pin of the adapter; through the symmetrical characteristics of the A-side pin and the B-side pin, stable reception of the mode signal is achieved when the adapter is plugged in either direction. A resistor voltage divider circuit is connected to the first part of the first group of pins or the first part of the second group of pins of the adapter input terminal; the resistor voltage divider circuit is used to divide the uniform voltage output by the USB Type C port and generate a feedback signal, the feedback signal is used for the logic circuit unit of the computing device to match the mapping relationship table to determine the adapter type; The feedback signal is configured for recognition by an external computing device. The feedback signal includes a preset value, wherein the preset value corresponds to an existing adapter type, so that the external computing device determines the mode of the USB Type-C port according to the existing adapter type and outputs at least one mode signal corresponding to the mode to the adapter. At least one outgoing port; A cable connects the adapter input terminal and the at least one output port; the at least one output port includes two USB 3.0 output ports, four USB 2.0 output ports, one VGA output port, and / or one serial port output port.

10. The adapter according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first part of the first group of pins and the first part of the second group of pins of the adapter input terminal are respectively connected to the first part of the third group of pins and the first part of the fourth group of pins of the USB Type C port.

Images